Sponsor Statement for SB 102: Social Security Numbers and Driver's Licenses

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Session:
State Capitol, Room 121
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: (907) 465-4797
Fax: (907) 465-3884

Interim:
post office:
119 N. Cushman, Suite 101
Fairbanks, AK 99701-2879
location:
3340 Badger Road.
North Pole, AK 99705
Phone: (907) 488-0857
Fax: (907) 488-4271

An Act relating to the information required in an application for, and to display of social security numbers on, certain licenses and instructional permits; and providing for an effective date.

Released:

February 21, 2001

Senate Bill 102 removes the social security numbers from the face of drivers' licenses. It also allows someone who does not have a social security number to obtain a license.

Social security numbers provide a gateway to identity theft. An identification card, primarily a driver's license, is often used for check cashing, boarding planes, and other identification purposes. By removing this unique number from the driver's license, SB 102 attempts to preserve the privacy of each Alaskan. While the social security number is still required on the application for a driver's license, learner's permit, and state identification, it would no longer be displayed on the actual card.

SB 102 also places in statute a current policy recently adopted by the Department of Motor Vehicles. If a person does not have a social security number, (s)he can sign a sworn affidavit regarding their status and be granted a license. In the past, the State of Alaska did not grant a license if an applicant did not have a social security number.

Recognizing the desire to protect the identities of Alaskan residents, I have drafted this bill with an immediate effective date. The DMV has the technological capability to prevent social security numbers from appearing on identification cards and licenses; no equipment change would be necessary.

Under SB 102, all current licenses will remain valid. The change affects those issued after the effective date.

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